The Jungle and the Aroma of Meats
The theory of humors, vital fluids whose proportions in the human body determine its health and temperament, is far from outdated. And what we sometimes think of as a modern concern with ecology and alternative medicine is really as old as the traditional medical techniques of the classical West of South Asia. It is to the latter that Francis Zimmermann turns his attention, in a remarkable evocation that combines Sanskrit studies and anthropology. He reconstructs and exposes the linkage between humors, persons, and soils in classical Hindu medicine. His work will interested those involved in the areas of medical anthropology, medical anthropology, medical history, philosophy of science, philosophy of language, and South Asian studies. It will also be valued for the vivid and accurate descriptions it offers of a few basic ideas our time has borrowed from Hindu culture: flower power, vegetarianism, non-violence, and the comic dimensions of the human body. In classical Ayurvedic medicine, a comprehensive view of the whole human person included the patient's humoral integration into the surrounding soil. The Jungle was the most crucial environment, and the Jungle was - and is - the dry land of the Punjab and the Delhi Doab, an open vegetation of thorny shrubs. The polarity of dry lands and wet lands framed not only the whole Ayurvedic materia medica but also the more general conception of a comic physiology governed by Agni (the sun) and Soma (the dispenser of rain). Clearing the land and draining the body were two aspects of one and the same art of managing the transactions of all sorts of vital fluids, saps, juices, savors, and humor. Medicine in the context of thought and practice associated with the Jungle was, and still in modern India, a kind of agriculture.
$23
The Art of Indian Asia, 2 Vols.
The present work is intended not as a handbook but as an introduction to its subject, to be read from beginning to end. Each section is preparation for the next. Chapter I, presenting as it does a brief historical outline of the transformations of Indian art as well as a key to the symbology of the forms, can be used as a guide during the first perusal of the pictures. For the reader then wishing to find quickly the several portions of text referring to any spefific group of monuments, a copious index has been supplied, together with textual references in the Description of Plates and cross-references in the footnotes. Marginal references to the Plates, furthermore, accompany the text. These should make possible an easy and rapid correlation of the materials of the two volumes.
The first two groups of Plates in the text volume illustrate, for the most part, the anthropological and comparative observations of the text. Included among them, however, are a few photographs that are indispensable to Dr. Zimmer's argument but do not meet the aesthetic standard of the Plates volume. On the other hand, the final cluster of text Plates constitutes. an independent pictorial appendix, illustrating the miniature and Rajput art of the eleventh to nineteenth centuries A.D. Dr. Zimmer's notes on this subject had not been developed beyond preliminary jottings, and could not be incorporated in any major section of the text. But since there is actually a rather special, very delicate, lyric quality about these paintings on palm leaf and paper, which sets them apart, somewhat from the tradition of the stone monuments, it is not inappropriate that they should be given a separate place.
The first two groups of Plates in the text volume illustrate, for the most part, the anthropological and comparative observations of the text. Included among them, however, are a few photographs that are indispensable to Dr. Zimmer's argument but do not meet the aesthetic standard of the Plates volume. On the other hand, the final cluster of text Plates constitutes. an independent pictorial appendix, illustrating the miniature and Rajput art of the eleventh to nineteenth centuries A.D. Dr. Zimmer's notes on this subject had not been developed beyond preliminary jottings, and could not be incorporated in any major section of the text. But since there is actually a rather special, very delicate, lyric quality about these paintings on palm leaf and paper, which sets them apart, somewhat from the tradition of the stone monuments, it is not inappropriate that they should be given a separate place.
$240
The Art of Ancient India
To scholars in the field, the need for an up-to-date overview of the art of South Asia has been apparent for decades. Although many regional and dynastic genres of Indic art are fairly well understood, the broad, overall representation of India’s centuries of splendor has been lacking. The Art of Ancient India is the result of the author’s aim to provide such a synthesis. Noted expert Sherman E. Lee has commented: “Not since Coomaraswamy’s History of Indian and Indonesian Art (1927) has there been a survey of such completeness.” Indeed, this work restudies and reevaluates every frontier of ancient Indic art – from its prehistoric roots up to the period of Muslim rule, from the Himalayan north to the tropical south, and from the earliest extant writing through the most modern scholarship on the subject.
This dynamic survey-generously complemented with 775 illustrations, including 48 in full color and numerous architectural ground plans, and detailed maps and fine drawings, and further enhanced by its guide to Sanskrit, copious notes, extensive bibliography, and glossary of South Asian art terms-is the most comprehensive and most fully illustrated study of South Asian art available.
The works and monuments included in this volume have been selected not only for their artistic merit but also in order to both provide general coverage and include transitional works that furnish the key to an all encompassing view of the art.
An outstanding portrayal of ancient India’s highest intellectual and technical achievements, this volume is written for many audiences: scholars, for whom it provides an up-to-date background against which to examine their own areas of study; teachers and students of college level, for whom it supplies a complete summary of and a resource for their own deeper investigations into Indic art; and curious readers, for whom it gives a broad-based introduction to this fascinating area of world art.
This dynamic survey-generously complemented with 775 illustrations, including 48 in full color and numerous architectural ground plans, and detailed maps and fine drawings, and further enhanced by its guide to Sanskrit, copious notes, extensive bibliography, and glossary of South Asian art terms-is the most comprehensive and most fully illustrated study of South Asian art available.
The works and monuments included in this volume have been selected not only for their artistic merit but also in order to both provide general coverage and include transitional works that furnish the key to an all encompassing view of the art.
An outstanding portrayal of ancient India’s highest intellectual and technical achievements, this volume is written for many audiences: scholars, for whom it provides an up-to-date background against which to examine their own areas of study; teachers and students of college level, for whom it supplies a complete summary of and a resource for their own deeper investigations into Indic art; and curious readers, for whom it gives a broad-based introduction to this fascinating area of world art.
$120
The Art of India through the Ages
Although the poetry and philosophy of India were discovered by Europeans over a hundred years ago, and had the most important influence, the visual arts of India remained unappreciated. While 'Sakuntala' and the 'Sermons of Buddha' were recognized as having the same stature as the writings of Sophocles or Plato, and were incorporated into every European literary tradition, the plastic arts of India weretreated as if they were pictorial supplement to the history of religion or the anthropology of a remote and alien country, of a mysterious, sensuous, exotic world. The discovery that the arts of India have their proper place in the universal history of art remained to be made. One may, without any fear of exaggeration, claim that this book is the first in the field
$76
The Hindu Temple (2 Vols.)
This two-volume work explains in detail the religious and spiritual significance of the temple by means of copious references to Sanskrit texts--both sacred and scientific. It depicts the Hindu Temple as not merely a heap of brick, stone or wood but a visible symbol of aspirations of pious men and women, the throbbings of their hearts in religious fervor and their endeavor for the attainment of salvation. The first four parts of the work are devoted to the philosophy of temple architecture. Part V deals with the origin and development of the temple from the Vedic fire altars to the latest forms. Part VI discusses the pyramidal and curvilinear superstructures in the main varieties of the Sikhara, the Sikhara enmeshed in Gavaksas and the composite Sikhara. Part VII describes the proportional measurements and the rhythmic disposition of the garbha-grha and the vertical section. It discusses the proportions of the Mandapa and the types of temples described in ancient Sanskrit texts like the Brhatsamhita and the Samaranganasutradhara. This most comprehensive and authoritative treatise of ancient Indian Temple Architecture will prove of immense help to the students of ancient Indian culture.
Contents (Vol. 1)
PART I: The Site, Part II: The Plan, Part III: Plan and Supernal Man, Part IV: The Substances of which the temple is built, Names and Origins of the Temple, Part VI. The Superstructure, Part VII: Proportionate Measurement and Varieties of the Temple (Volume 2) Part VIII: The Images of the Temple, Explanation of Plates, Appendix, Sources, Index, Plates I-IXXX.
About the Author(s)
STELLA KRAMRISCH was a pioneering interpreter of Indian art and its religious contexts. During her entire career as a creative scholar, teacher, museum curator and editor, she was a dominant force in shaping European, American, and Asian notions of Indian culture.
Contents (Vol. 1)
PART I: The Site, Part II: The Plan, Part III: Plan and Supernal Man, Part IV: The Substances of which the temple is built, Names and Origins of the Temple, Part VI. The Superstructure, Part VII: Proportionate Measurement and Varieties of the Temple (Volume 2) Part VIII: The Images of the Temple, Explanation of Plates, Appendix, Sources, Index, Plates I-IXXX.
About the Author(s)
STELLA KRAMRISCH was a pioneering interpreter of Indian art and its religious contexts. During her entire career as a creative scholar, teacher, museum curator and editor, she was a dominant force in shaping European, American, and Asian notions of Indian culture.
$100
Indian Sculpture : Ancient, Classical and Mediaeval
The book surveys the structure of Indian sculpture in its relevant aspects. The underlying and essential qualities are viewed in their permanency throughout the special conditions that the single monuments imply. Their outward connections, geographical and chronological, are seen to resolve themselves into ethical problems and those of the artistic process itself.
While stylistical investigations are the basis of this book, Indian sculpture is dealt with as conditioned by the Indian craftsman. His consciousness makes him known to himself as a part of nature and his work is the form of this 'naturalism'. Its degree and aspects vary according to the levels of his consciousness.
While stylistical investigations are the basis of this book, Indian sculpture is dealt with as conditioned by the Indian craftsman. His consciousness makes him known to himself as a part of nature and his work is the form of this 'naturalism'. Its degree and aspects vary according to the levels of his consciousness.
$35
The Presence of Siva
One of the three Great Gods of Hinduism, Siva is a living god. The most sacred and most ancient book of India, the Rg Veda, evokes his presence in its hymns. Vedic myths, ritual, and even astronomy testify to his existence from the dawn of time. In a lively meditation of Siva-based on original Sanskrit texts, many heretofore not translated-Stella Kramrisch ponders the metaphysics, ontology, and myths of Siva from the Vedas to the Puranas. Who is Siva? the author asks. Who is this god whose being comprises and transcends everything? None of the pairs of opposites, nor the sum of his uncounted names, defines him. From the down of creation, the Wild God, whose ancient name is Rudra, is Consciousness. He is the Great Yogi, the guardian of the absolute. His actions are the themes of the myths in which his nature unfolds. By retelling and interweaving the many myths that continue to convey Siva`s presence as a living god in India today, Professor Kramrisch unfolds the paradoxes in Siva`s nature and thus in the nature of consciousness itself. The magnificent sculptures at Elephanta, illustrated at the end of the book, capture in another medium the presence of the god.
$46
Inscriptions of the Sarabhapuriyas, Panudvamsins and Somavamsins (2 Vols.)
This work is a product of the Inscriptions of India Programme of the Indian Council of Historical Research undertaken with a view to making inscriptions dating from circa sixth to fourteenth century a.d. available in handy volumes. Part I studies the inscriptions of the Sarabhapuriyas, Panduvamsins and Somavamsins who played a major role in shaping the destinies of the Chhattisgarh region of Madhya Pradesh (Kosala) and the adjoining region of Orissa from about the sixth to the early twelfth century a.d. It provides a background to the study of the inscriptions by attempting to deal with their formal aspects like the format, palaeography, language, orthography, contents and methods of dating and to trace, for the first time, the evolution of their draft. Dharmasastra injunctions regarding the preparation of deeds of land-grants and their actual epigraphic parallels have also been discussed at length. The work sheds welcome light on the chronology and history of the region during the period in question and offers several original suggestions basing on fresh discoveries and new interpretation of known records. With its many interesting features, the work will surely be found enlightening by students and researchers delving deep into early Indian history and epigraphy.
$50
Kalatattvakosa Vol. 1: Pervasive Terms Vyapti
Kalatattvakosa series of the IGNCA has endeavoured to evolve an important modern device to grasp the essential thought and knowledge system of the Indian tradition. Through an in depth investigation into the primary sources of various disciplines the series aims at facilitating the reader to comprehend the interlocking of different disciplines.
$39
Kalatattvakosa Vol. 4 - Manifestation of Nature Srsti Vistara
This constitues the first volume of the series. It indicates the scope of the project and provides a list of sources which will be surveyed in the sebsequent volumes, as well as provide a guide to secondary literature for further study of Indian Philosophy. It lists in relative chronological order, Sanskrit and Tamil works. All known editions and translations into European languages are cited; where puplished versions of the text are not known a guide to the location of manuscripts of the work is provided.
$44
Kalatattvakosa (Vol. 5) A Lexicon of Fundamental Concepts of the Indian Art
This series endeavoured to evolve an important modern device to grasp the essential thought and knowledge system of the Indian tradition. Through an indepth investigation into the primary sources of various disciplines, the series aims at facilitating the reader to comprehend the interlocking of different disciplines. The present volume is the fifth in the series. It is the manifestation of the vicaragni (fire of thoughts) kindled by the earlier seers and continued by later thinkers that highlights a number of visual art forms. The form or shape remains the basic element despite its multiple representations and their explanations.
$54
Kalatattvakosa (Vol. 6) A Lexicon of Fundamental Concepts of the Indian Arts, Appearance/Symbolic Form Abhasa
Kalatattvakosa series of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts has endeavoured to evolve an important modern device to grasp the essential thought and knowledge system of the Indian artistic and cultural tradition. Through an indepth investigation into the primary sources of various Indological disciplines, the series aims at facilitating the reader to comprehend the interdisciplinary approach of Indological and arthistorical research. The present volume: Abhasa (Appearance/Symbolic form) is the sixth manifestation of the series devoted to key concepts of Indian art and deals with the abstract or symbolic forms containing closely related eitht terms where the basic concept of abhasa, appearance or seemliness or reflection is inherent. Abhasa helps to realise the structure even in the field of symbolic or invizsible form. This volume contains eight articles on the following concepts abhasa, Sadrsya-sarupya, anukarana/ anukrti/ anukirtana, chaya, bimbapratibimba, linga, pada and vrttiriti.
$49
Mayamata
Mayamata
An Indian Treatise on Housing Architecture and Iconography (An Updated Edition with revised Glossary)
The Mayamata is a Vastusastra, that is to says a ’treatise on dwelling and as such it deals with all the facets of gods’ temple dwellings, from the choice of a site to the iconography of temple walls. It contains many precise descriptions of villages and towns as of temples, houses, mansions and palaces. It gives indications for the selection of a proper orientation, of right dimension and of appropriate building materials. It intends to be a manual for the architect and a guide-book for the layman. Well thought of by the traditional architects (sthapati-s) of South India, this treatise is of interest at a time when technical traditions, in all fields are being scrutinized for their possible modern application.
The Mayamata has so far been translated into Tamil and into French. The present English version is based upon the French translation by
the same author. The Sanskrit text and most of the footnotes, which accompanied French edition, have been omitted so that the book may be of reasonable size.
The glossary is presented in an abridged form, most of the drawings have been retained and some more added but it should be noted that they are meant to be no more than tentative sketches.
An Indian Treatise on Housing Architecture and Iconography (An Updated Edition with revised Glossary)
The Mayamata is a Vastusastra, that is to says a ’treatise on dwelling and as such it deals with all the facets of gods’ temple dwellings, from the choice of a site to the iconography of temple walls. It contains many precise descriptions of villages and towns as of temples, houses, mansions and palaces. It gives indications for the selection of a proper orientation, of right dimension and of appropriate building materials. It intends to be a manual for the architect and a guide-book for the layman. Well thought of by the traditional architects (sthapati-s) of South India, this treatise is of interest at a time when technical traditions, in all fields are being scrutinized for their possible modern application.
The Mayamata has so far been translated into Tamil and into French. The present English version is based upon the French translation by
the same author. The Sanskrit text and most of the footnotes, which accompanied French edition, have been omitted so that the book may be of reasonable size.
The glossary is presented in an abridged form, most of the drawings have been retained and some more added but it should be noted that they are meant to be no more than tentative sketches.
$32
Paratattvaganitadarsanam
Paratattvaganitadarsanam, or Principles of Transcendental Philosophy of Mathematical Truth is a bridge connecting two fields, the field of mathematics and the field of metaphysics. It establishes general paradigm that the mathematical truth can represent metaphysical truth. It shows, in particular, that Advaita Vedanta articulates mathematical truths whose validity is absolute. This conclusion is arrived at on the basis of the fact that mathematics has the capacity to articulate transcendental truths, which are beyond our normal capabilities.
Paratattvaganitadarsanam provides the basic framework in which the statement, 'a part is equal to the whole' is a true statement. The material is presented in the form of a dialogue between two main characters, a Vedantin and a Mathematician, 'both standing on a common platform (which is impartial and earnest inquiry into the
Absolute and attainment of the highest)
Paratattvaganitadarsanam provides the basic framework in which the statement, 'a part is equal to the whole' is a true statement. The material is presented in the form of a dialogue between two main characters, a Vedantin and a Mathematician, 'both standing on a common platform (which is impartial and earnest inquiry into the
Absolute and attainment of the highest)
$38
Sunya and Nothingness
In this book the author analyzes the concepts of sunya (zero), void, nothing and other similar notions found in various fields – mysticism, religion, philosophy, science and mathematics. This exploration reveals a strange but fascinating world of nothingness: a weird world with its mind-boggling contradictions and irrationalism conveying the central message of nihil, where one finds prophets and philosophers trying to harmonize contraries, non sequiturs and irreconciliables.
$30
Vedic Mathematics for All Ages
The author has attempted to codify several useful results embedded in the ancient lore, in a form which is easily accessible to the children learning mathematics. Many of the chapters deal with computations using simple techniques which will shorten the effort involved in the conventional approach. The price one pays, of course, is that one has to learn the tricks, memorize them and use the appropriate one for each problem. While one might think that this takes away the generality of the modern approach, it certainly has the element of charm and intrigue which children [and grown-ups!] will find entertaining. Even working out why many of these approaches lead to correct results is a valuable exercise by itself.
Contents: Foreword, Preface, Feedback, Introduction, 1. Complement, Subtraction, Multiplication by Specific Numbers, Base Multiplication, Working Base Multiplication, Multiplication, Algebra, Digital Roots, Divisibility, Division I, Division II, Squares, Straight Squaring, Cubes, Square roots of exact squares, Cube roots of exact cubes, Straight Division, Square roots II, Sutras, Glossary, Index.
Review:
This book teaches you to calculate fast and in straight steps. The graphics and colours used in the book make it user friendly and easy t understand. The fun filled activities in each chapter make the process of learning Vedic Mathematics enjoyable for all ages. This book of Vedic Mathematics will help you to become confident and skilled mathematicians without calculators.
I found the book to be extremely readable. The explanations are very lucid and I found the use of three colours of the explanations to be very helpful and innovative. The progression of chapters is also very well thought out. I would definitely recommend it to students of Vedic Mathematics.
Contents: Foreword, Preface, Feedback, Introduction, 1. Complement, Subtraction, Multiplication by Specific Numbers, Base Multiplication, Working Base Multiplication, Multiplication, Algebra, Digital Roots, Divisibility, Division I, Division II, Squares, Straight Squaring, Cubes, Square roots of exact squares, Cube roots of exact cubes, Straight Division, Square roots II, Sutras, Glossary, Index.
Review:
This book teaches you to calculate fast and in straight steps. The graphics and colours used in the book make it user friendly and easy t understand. The fun filled activities in each chapter make the process of learning Vedic Mathematics enjoyable for all ages. This book of Vedic Mathematics will help you to become confident and skilled mathematicians without calculators.
I found the book to be extremely readable. The explanations are very lucid and I found the use of three colours of the explanations to be very helpful and innovative. The progression of chapters is also very well thought out. I would definitely recommend it to students of Vedic Mathematics.
$26
Vedic Physics
The present volume on Vedic Physics by Keshav Dev Verma is indeed a unique attempt to interpret the ancient Indian literature by defining various symbols, concepts and the terminology occurring in Vedic hymns and other texts. While accepting Maharsi Dayananda's view that Vedas are the repository of all true sciences, the author does examine this statement with a view to test it on the hard rock of truth.
Shri Verma has selected Sankhya-Patanjala system that explains the physical world (Universe) on the basis of Cosmic evolution; the Vaisesika-Nyaya expounds the methodology and elaborates the concepts of physics, chemistry and mechanics. Shri Verma has very systematically tried to interpret the Sankhya aphorisms and concludes that the ultimate ground to which the manifested world can be traced is Prakrti having three attributes-Sattva (existence), energy at rest or Rajas (energy that which is efficient in a phenomenon and is characterised by a tendency to move and overcome any resistance) and Tamas (mass or inertia) which resists the Rajas to do work and also resists Sattva from conscious manifestation.
Review:
This work will certainly inspire other serious-minded scholars to undertake further research on this count and provide a deeper understanding of 'Atom' and the 'Universe'. I congratulate Sri Verma for producing this book.-Murli Manohar Joshi, in his Foreword
K. D. Verma has demystified the Vedic hymns by decoding the symbols, technical terms and concepts, thereby many of the mute problems, some fundamental issues in Indian scientific tradition in general and in particular mathematics, astronomy, physics, material and life sciences, ...This being highly commendable, puts him in the list of illustrious predecessors.-Dr.S.N. Bhavsar, in his Introduction
This book leaves an undeliable marks and impressions that linger and recycle in the mind suggesting that there is something unique and novel that needs to be pursued. ...It compels one to continue to think.-Dr.B.D. Kulkarni, Director, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune
This is a bold and brave book that will evoke and provoke both modern scientists as well as researchers of ancient Shastras to test their models in the light of the Vedic model which the author believes is the only valid and irrefutable model of reality.-Dr.Vijay Bhatkar, Renowned Computer Scientist, Pune
Shri Verma has selected Sankhya-Patanjala system that explains the physical world (Universe) on the basis of Cosmic evolution; the Vaisesika-Nyaya expounds the methodology and elaborates the concepts of physics, chemistry and mechanics. Shri Verma has very systematically tried to interpret the Sankhya aphorisms and concludes that the ultimate ground to which the manifested world can be traced is Prakrti having three attributes-Sattva (existence), energy at rest or Rajas (energy that which is efficient in a phenomenon and is characterised by a tendency to move and overcome any resistance) and Tamas (mass or inertia) which resists the Rajas to do work and also resists Sattva from conscious manifestation.
Review:
This work will certainly inspire other serious-minded scholars to undertake further research on this count and provide a deeper understanding of 'Atom' and the 'Universe'. I congratulate Sri Verma for producing this book.-Murli Manohar Joshi, in his Foreword
K. D. Verma has demystified the Vedic hymns by decoding the symbols, technical terms and concepts, thereby many of the mute problems, some fundamental issues in Indian scientific tradition in general and in particular mathematics, astronomy, physics, material and life sciences, ...This being highly commendable, puts him in the list of illustrious predecessors.-Dr.S.N. Bhavsar, in his Introduction
This book leaves an undeliable marks and impressions that linger and recycle in the mind suggesting that there is something unique and novel that needs to be pursued. ...It compels one to continue to think.-Dr.B.D. Kulkarni, Director, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune
This is a bold and brave book that will evoke and provoke both modern scientists as well as researchers of ancient Shastras to test their models in the light of the Vedic model which the author believes is the only valid and irrefutable model of reality.-Dr.Vijay Bhatkar, Renowned Computer Scientist, Pune
$35
Life Surrendered in God
Kriyas are the constructive actions we contribute to our total wellness and enlightnment, as well as the transformative actions which spontaneously occur within us as the spiritual growth is experienced. Yoga can be defined as " procedure", as "practice" and as the end result of successful practice - "wholeness". Tthe last section of the book provides guidelines to recommended lifestyle regimens and instruction in meditation techniques and practice routines. Biographical information about the guru lineage of Mr. Davis` Kriya Yoga tradition is provided in the appendix. A glossary of primary English and Sanskrit words is included.
$19
Tripura - Paperback Comic Book
The three legendary satellite cities of Tripura form an enthralling tale of good and evil, power and defeat. The devas (God) and the asuras (demons or daityas) are stepbrothers. They are the progeny of Aditi and Diti, the wives of Sage Kashyapa. However, they are always at war. The Puranas contain innumerable accounts of their battles.
In this Amar Chitra Kath, the asuras propitiate the Gods to win favors, gain boons and become powerful. With Brahma’s blessing and under the divine architect Maya’s instruction, the asuras commission the grand construction of Tripura – three mobile cities: one on earth, one in the sky and one in the heavens. However, when the asuras begin to misuse the power they gain, they become engaged in a ferocious battle with the devas, the very same Gods they had propitiated.
This title on the Tripura episode is based on material drawn from the Shiva and Matsya Puranas.
In this Amar Chitra Kath, the asuras propitiate the Gods to win favors, gain boons and become powerful. With Brahma’s blessing and under the divine architect Maya’s instruction, the asuras commission the grand construction of Tripura – three mobile cities: one on earth, one in the sky and one in the heavens. However, when the asuras begin to misuse the power they gain, they become engaged in a ferocious battle with the devas, the very same Gods they had propitiated.
This title on the Tripura episode is based on material drawn from the Shiva and Matsya Puranas.
$6
Buddha - Paperback Comic Book
Gautama Buddha was one of the most exceptional of free thinkers and religious leaders. Buddha was born as Prince Siddhartha to King Suddhodana and Queen Myaadevi in the Himalayan Kingdom of Kapilavastu in 544 BC. Sage Asita visited the palace and predicted that the baby will live to be either the greatest of kings of the greatest of saints. Frightened by the prophecy, Suddhodana took great care to ensure that the young prince was surrounded only by beauty, luxury and happiness.
Years later, restless in his gilded cocoon, Siddhartha set out to explore his kingdom and was greatly moved at the state of human suffering. One fine day, he renounced the world and began a life of severe asceticism to seek an answer to life and sorrow, to seek the ultimate truth.
His search led him to enlightenment that liberated and illuminated him as he pondered under a Bodhi tree. He became the Buddha at the age of 35. He realized that the body need not suffer of starve to seek the truth. He adopted the “middle-path”, that moderation. He returned to preach what he had learnt and experienced, and did it with compassion for his fellow beings.
Years later, restless in his gilded cocoon, Siddhartha set out to explore his kingdom and was greatly moved at the state of human suffering. One fine day, he renounced the world and began a life of severe asceticism to seek an answer to life and sorrow, to seek the ultimate truth.
His search led him to enlightenment that liberated and illuminated him as he pondered under a Bodhi tree. He became the Buddha at the age of 35. He realized that the body need not suffer of starve to seek the truth. He adopted the “middle-path”, that moderation. He returned to preach what he had learnt and experienced, and did it with compassion for his fellow beings.
$6
Ayyapan - Paperback Comic Book
A strange and fascinating series of divine events led to the birth of Manikanthan.
Manikanthan had a glorious destiny. At the end of a life full of dramatic events, Lard Parashuama himself sculpted and installed an idol of him in the hill temple of Shabari. There, as Lard Ayyappan, he is worshipped as the presiding deity of the entire hill range.
This lone temple on the top of the Shabari hills, deep in the forests of Kerala, attracts millions of devotees from all over the country every year. They travel through dense forests full of wild animals, over steep hills and in inclement weather to obtain his ‘darshan’ (a glimpse) on Makara Sankranthi day (which falls on 14th January each year). It is said that the Lord comes down to the Shabari Hills on Makara Sankranti in the form of light to give ‘darshan’ to his innumerable devotees and himself lights the temple lamp. Then in a moving and beautiful ritual the pilgrims partake of the ‘prasad’ and walk backwards down the eighteen steps, their faces turned towards the Lord, shining with devotion and ecstasy.
Manikanthan had a glorious destiny. At the end of a life full of dramatic events, Lard Parashuama himself sculpted and installed an idol of him in the hill temple of Shabari. There, as Lard Ayyappan, he is worshipped as the presiding deity of the entire hill range.
This lone temple on the top of the Shabari hills, deep in the forests of Kerala, attracts millions of devotees from all over the country every year. They travel through dense forests full of wild animals, over steep hills and in inclement weather to obtain his ‘darshan’ (a glimpse) on Makara Sankranthi day (which falls on 14th January each year). It is said that the Lord comes down to the Shabari Hills on Makara Sankranti in the form of light to give ‘darshan’ to his innumerable devotees and himself lights the temple lamp. Then in a moving and beautiful ritual the pilgrims partake of the ‘prasad’ and walk backwards down the eighteen steps, their faces turned towards the Lord, shining with devotion and ecstasy.
$6
Krishna - Paperback Comic Book
Lord Krishna is one of the most endearing deities of Indian mythology and is considered to be one of the ten avatars of lord Vishnu. Goddess lakshmi, the divine consort of lord Vishnu, was born upon earth as his companion during his many incarnation.
Krishna is, at times, the simple cowherd indulging the milkmaids in playful banter. At other times, he is the supreme intellectual – engaged in the exposition of the Gita philosophy. Krishna’s beguiling childish pranks and his dignified wisdom have, in turn, influenced the Hindu consciousness for centuries.
Krishna is particularly appealing to children because he is one of them as no other divine is. Krishna, the boy, is mischievous he has irrepressible energy for innumerable escapades. He is no puritan. He has divine powers, but he humanises them and remains a boy. This powerful human element is the secret of Krishna’s universal popularity. He is secular even as he is sacred, and so he remains throughout his life. That is why Krishna becomes a living presence to all children who have listened to his stories.
Krishna is, at times, the simple cowherd indulging the milkmaids in playful banter. At other times, he is the supreme intellectual – engaged in the exposition of the Gita philosophy. Krishna’s beguiling childish pranks and his dignified wisdom have, in turn, influenced the Hindu consciousness for centuries.
Krishna is particularly appealing to children because he is one of them as no other divine is. Krishna, the boy, is mischievous he has irrepressible energy for innumerable escapades. He is no puritan. He has divine powers, but he humanises them and remains a boy. This powerful human element is the secret of Krishna’s universal popularity. He is secular even as he is sacred, and so he remains throughout his life. That is why Krishna becomes a living presence to all children who have listened to his stories.
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Sati and Shiva - Paperback Comic Book
The story of Shiva's marriage is symbolic of the perfect fusion of the male and the female principles which, according to a Hindu view of life, are the moving powers behind the universe. Shiva (the male principle), the Supreme Consciousness, will acquire the power to create and destroy the elements only in conjunction with Shakti ( the female principle). That was why Vishnu and others were keen to see Shiva married. Though the word Shiva rarely occurs in the Vedas (it does in the Yahurveda) there are adequate references to show Rudra(another name for Shiva) as the Supreme Consciousness. The Kenopanishad mentions UMA as the maya or the manifestation of the Supreme Consciousness. The story of Sati brings home to us in simple terms, the truth and beauty of a lofty vedic concept.
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Karttikeya - Paperback Comic Book
Karttikeya, the commander-in-chief of the celestial army, is also known as Subrahmanya, Skanda, Guha and Kumara. In the southern states of
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